The Business Investor Work Visa provides a pathway to residence for migrants who invest in, operate and grow established businesses in New Zealand.
This visa pathway to residence requires a $1 million or more investment in an existing business. It is a 3-year work-to-residence pathway.
This pathway requires a NZD $2 million investment in an existing business. It leads straight to residence after just 12 months.
Applicants can purchase a business outright on either visa pathway or acquire at least 25% of the business, provided they meet the minimum $1 million or $2 million investment thresholds.
Businesses need to have been operating for 5 years and employ at least 5 people. Some types of businesses are not eligible for investment under this visa.
Applicants need to meet business experience, English language, health, character and age requirements.
Applicants may include their partner and dependent children in their application.
A Business Investor Visa may be granted for up to 4 years.
The Business Investor Resident Visa
Both Investor Work Visa options lead to eligibility to apply for the Business Investor Resident Visa.
To be eligible for a Business Investor Resident Visa, applicants must be actively involved in running the business, maintain ownership levels and spend enough time in New Zealand. They must also employ 5 people and create 1 additional job for a New Zealand citizen or resident.
The new Business Investor Visas will be launched on 24 November 2025.
A Business Investor Visa may be granted for up to 4 years.
Applicants may include their partner and dependent children in their application.
Both options lead to eligibility to apply for the Business Investor Resident Visa.
The new Business Investor Visas will open for applications on 24 November 2025.
Once the business has been successfully operated for the required period (12 months under Fast-Track or 3 years under Work to Residence policies), you may be eligible for the Business Investor Resident Visa.
you must:
Please note:
The Entrepreneur Category is now closed to new applications for the Entrepreneur Work Visa.
Applications under the Investor 1 and Investor 2 visas are no longer accepted.
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